Fred Jarrett: Man in demand

State Sen. Fred Jarrett, D-Mercer Island, is getting praise, promises and rave reviews from fellow candidates for King County Executive.

But there’s a catch.

State Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, with customary lack of subtlety, is trying to get fellow East Sider Jarrett to withdraw from the race. Hunter is spreading the word (lately to editors at Crosscut.com) that he will hire Jarrett as his top deputy if elected.

At a 45th District Democrats’ candidate interview Tuesday, County Councilman Dow Constantine said that he, too, would hire Jarrett to help run the county.

Jarrett is a former Mercer Island mayor, longtime Boeing manager, and has served in both houses of the Legislature. He has even served in both parties, being a Republican until crossing the aisle two years ago.

“If everyone wants to hire him, what does that say about his qualifications?” asked Rollin Fatland, a Jarrett adviser. Jarrett is very much in the race.

A footnote: Conservationists in conflict.

Washington Conservation Voters has thrown its support to King County Parks’ Jessie Israel in her challenge to three-term Seattle City Council incumbent Nick Licata.

On Wednesday, however, the Sierra Club decided to throw its weight behind Licata’s re-election.